Ayrshire-based hospitality group Buzzworks has been putting its staff teams through some ‘special preparations’ ahead of the 152nd Golf Open, which is taking place in Troon this month.
With an anticipated influx of 300,000 guests to the region, the group sees The Open as a gilt-edged opportunity to serve up a ‘top-tier experience’ to visitors from around the globe and locals alike.
In the lead up to the tournament, Buzzworks’ teams have taken part in a series of training sessions and quizzes designed to equip them with the skills needed to showcase the best of Scottish hospitality.
Buzzworks learning and development manager, Holli Gordon, said: “Our teams have been training hard over the last six weeks to ensure visitors who come to Troon during The Open leave with the best possible experience, and so that we can spotlight Scotland’s best food and drink while staying true to our values.
“A large part of this training has been about storytelling, so staff can give visitors local knowledge and local products to talk about. But the sessions have also been designed to be engaging and fun, because we believe that when our staff are enjoying themselves, they’re more motivated and effective in delivering excellent service.
“We want to offer everyone the most that we can and showcase the local produce and we’ve trained our teams to deliver that in the best way possible.”
Sponsored by Loch Lomond Malts, the whisky training session was a highlight for employees developing their bar skills ahead of The Open, featuring tasting sessions and a knowledge-building quiz.
Buzzworks’ bar training manager Gavin Goslan said: “We have a lot of visitors from far and wide and we wanted to highlight Scottish products, with whisky obviously being a huge pull for these visitors.
“We made sure our knowledge was up to speed with whisky and premium dishes such as lobsters, steaks, and Scottish beers. The excitement is palpable, and our teams love the fact they get to dive into what we have to offer as a country and as a business in the local area during such a prestigious event.”
A cocktail competition sponsored by Ben Lomond Gin added an element of fun and creativity to the training.
Team leader at Scotts Troon, Robbie Quinn, won first place with his cocktail, ‘The White Horse’, which will now be featured on the drinks list during The Open. His recipe blended Ben Lomond gin, cucumber & mint oleo, fresh lime juice, absinthe, seaweed bitters, saline, and sparkling water.
Commenting on the ‘holistic approach’ taken to Buzzworks’ staff training, Holli added: “We’ve put a lot of effort into customer profiling to ensure each visitor has the best host suited to their tastes and preferences. This personalised approach ensures a memorable experience for all our guests.
“Our hope is to really elevate the experience for our customers and to help boost future tourism for the area, and to ensure a lasting legacy for Buzzworks and some of the amazing brands we’ve been working with.”
Alongside Lido Troon, the group offers an ‘aspirational dining and entertainment experience’ across Scotland through its other brands – Scotts, House, Outboard, Vic’s & The Vine, The Duke, Thirty Knots, The Bridge Inn, The Fox, and Herringbone.
